GSN January 2016 Digital Edition

Block Engineering designs
chemical detection products
for use at ‘soft target’ sites
By Steve Bittenbender
A Massachusetts company that specializes
in chemical detection devices
has announced that it is making
its products available for such
public facilities as shopping centers,
transportation hubs and stadiums.
These types of facilities are often
called “soft target” sites because they
do not offer the same level of protection
as highly defensed government
facilities. They also were the types
of targets hit by terrorists in France
last month in a series of attacks that
led to 130 deaths and hundreds of
others injured.
Block Engineering says its sensors
can be used to pick up chemicals
that are known to be used in explosive
devices. That includes Triacetone
Triperoxide, better known
as TATP, used in the suicide bomb
vests terrorists wore in the Paris attacks.
“Block Engineering is uniquely
positioned to provide these sensors
to US and foreign governments for
chemical security against terrorism,”
said Dr. Petros Kotidis, Block’s
CEO. “Advances in laser technology
and signal processing algorithms
have enabled detection of dangerous
chemicals, such as chemical
warfare agents and toxic industrial
gases, at very low concentrations.
We are very excited to offer these
life-saving products during the current
difficult times.”
Kotidis holds a master’s and a doctorate
degree in aeronautics from
M.I.T. and has received 18 patents
for his work in developing laser, ultrasonic
and spectroscopic devices
and applications.
Block’s systems include Laser-
Warn, which uses a laser beam as a
trip wire. Once a chemical crosses
the wire, LaserWarn can alert authorities
in less than second. It can
detect trace amounts – down to
parts per 1 billion or more – in areas
larger than 1,000 square feet. It
also be used on an around-the-clock
basis either in enclosed facilities or
open air environments. The senor’s
laser is safe to human eyes and can
use mirrors and other reflectors to
cover large open areas.
Block’s PORTHOS device, a
standalone infrared sensor, is able
to identify a released chemical
from as far away as five kilometers.
PORTHOS sensors can be used as
portable devices or installed at a
fixed location, which company officials
said gives it the flexibility to
be used at such large public gatherings
as football games or celebration
events. All detection is done within
the unit itself and the system needs
only a low broadband signal to send
information to a command center.
Both types of devices come with
chemical libraries, but they also can
be updated to include new threats as
they emerge.
The company has provided chemical
detectors to government agencies,
including defense and intelligence
organizations, for nearly 50
years. Its sensors are currently in
use at numerous facilities worldwide,
including the Pentagon.
“Since 1956, Block has been a
leader in standoff chemical detection,”
said Dr. Daniel Cavicchio,
Block Engineering’s Chairman. “For
decades, our systems have been
used to protect critical installations
and our new product offerings, including
the new class of QCLs, are
now enabling even more capabilities
to protect the public against terrorist
threats.”
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